Naperville to discuss its underage drinking law

Forum, council to address issue

In response to parents' complaints about an underage drinking law, the Naperville City Council agreed Monday to hold a community forum to discuss the issue.

The public meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 in the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive. The council also will discuss the law Aug. 17.

At issue is the city's Alcohol Presence Restriction Ordinance that prohibits people younger than 21 from attending parties where alcohol is being consumed. Police submitted a report to the council last week that says enforcement of the ordinance has reduced teen drinking parties in the first six months this year compared with the same period last year.

The city passed a law in 1997 restricting teens from attending drinking parties, and it was amended last year so teens not drinking at parties would not be charged with possession.

But many parents believe the law punishes teens for no reason.

The law "is driving a huge wedge between law enforcement and kids," said resident Nicki Anderson, whose sons were charged with holding an underage drinking party in May where 28 people were cited for various alcohol-related violations. "The ordinance does nothing but teaches the kids that, even if they follow rules, they can be punished. The ordinance should be turned over."

Anderson, who complained to the council Monday, is fighting the charge and contends that no alcohol was served at the party that she and other parents chaperoned.

"It is not fair to the kid who went to the party and did not drink," said resident RuthAnn Wood, whose son was ticketed for presence restriction, but the charge was dropped because, the parents said, the teen's age was not listed.

"I still support the concept. It needs some modification," Councilman Sam Macrane said. "I believe we have saved lives. We don't want any of our young people hurt."

The forum is expected to include comments from school and police officials as well as citizens.

"We need to listen to the whole community," Mayor George Pradel said, suggesting the forum.

Police Capt. Bob Marshall supported the forum and said the law "has given us an opportunity as a community to look at the opportunity to reduce underage drinking."